InsideLine has a great article on the new Mercedes E320 Bluetec, and like in any article about the Bluetec, they like it. It would be hard to not like a car that is clean as in gas powered vehicle, but gets 700 miles a tank. Here is a small excerpt
In some respects the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec renders the company's E350 redundant. It offers a similar driving experience at a similar price, and in the bargain you get the Bluetec's bladder-busting 700-plus-mile range, and much better fuel economy. Neither one is a hard-core back-road burner, so if you've got a $50-grand craving for an E-Class and live in the right state, we say skip the E350 altogether in favor of the Bluetec. By nearly any measure, the Bluetec acquits itself as the entry-level E-Class of choice.
The Brabus engineers have developed a performance kit that unleashes the true power of the 5.5-liter V12 without compromising durability or running smoothness for the twin-turbo twelve-cylinder engine of the latest Mercedes 600 models.
The T13 power kit costs 19,900 Euros and delivers an increase in power output of 113 hp / 83 kW. It consists of special turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system, and metal catalysts with low back pressure. In addition the engine electronics are reprogrammed. The new programming ensures optimal interaction of all BRABUS performance components and produces not only excellent performance but also exemplary low emissions that meet current EURO IV limits. The standard electronic speed limit of 250 km/h is also eliminated. For further optimizing both power output and exhaust note BRABUS recommends installing a BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system custom-calibrated to the specific Mercedes model.
Mika asked for the opportunity to re-familiarise himself with a Formula 1 car, and the team will use this test to benefit from Mika's experience and obtain his feedback with regards to changes in downforce, engine and tyres following the regulatory changes which have occurred since he last drove a Formula 1 car.
Since retiring from Formula 1, Mika has remained an integral part of the Team McLaren Mercedes family by competing in the DTM Touring Car Championship as a works driver for Mercedes-Benz with an AMG-Mercedes C Class. Only last week the links were further strengthened when Mika was announced as an ambassador for Johnnie Walker – a long-term commercial partner of Team McLaren Mercedes.
"I'm really excited about driving a Team McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car again and to be re-engaging with the team," said the 38-year-old Finn. "I have followed the Formula 1 World Championship closely since my retirement at the end of the 2001 season, but it was when I was at this year's Brazilian Grand Prix as a guest of the team that I really felt I would like to get a chance to drive a Formula 1 car again. I have recently spent some time in Team McLaren Mercedes' simulator in Woking and to get the possibility to drive the MP4-21 is something I'm really looking forward to. I would like to thank Ron and Norbert for making this happen. This test is a chance for me to see how much Formula 1 cars have advanced and experience first hand what they are like to drive today as well as providing the team with some feedback on various aspects of the car's performance."
It seems that other manufacturers, especially the Europeans, have realized that Mercedes and its BLUETEC diesel technology will possibly be a widely accepted gas alternative. On the eve of the Los Angeles Motor Show DaimlerChrysler, AUDI and Volkswagen announced that they intend to establish the BLUETEC brand name as the designation for particularly clean, highly fuel-efficient passenger cars and SUVs with diesel engines. Under the shared concept of BLUETEC, each of the manufacturers involved will be working on their own technical systems for meeting the world’s most stringent emission regulations.
The latest J.D. Power study, “Global Outlook For Diesel”, predicts that the share of diesels among first-time registrations in North America will rise to over 15 percent by 2015. It is in the light of this development that Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen will be systematically expanding their ranges of diesel vehicles.
All three companies are convinced that up-to-date diesel propulsion systems play a major part in efficient and clean mobility. With their high torque, agility, economy and robustness they display all the qualities which American customers, especially, appreciate.
With their outstandingly efficient fuel consumption, which lies some 20 to 40 percent lower than that of comparable petrol engines, these particularly clean diesel engines now have the potential to comply with the toughest emission limits in the world. They combine ecology and economy with driving pleasure for the customer.
Adweek is reporting that Mercedes-Benz is realigning its global agency lineup, with Omnicom Group's BBDO network adding significant business and implementing marketing concepts worldwide.
BBDO here, which had previously handled some European projects for the automaker, notably in France, is expected to add assignments in at least a dozen markets around the world. Beyond that, the agency declined to discuss the details of the realignment.
The shift takes place on Jan. 1, 2007. Client officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
In the U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Spain and Japan, Mercedes-Benz will continue to work with its current agency partners, the company said in a statement.
As part of the realignment, independent German shop Jung von Matt becomes lead agency for the automaker in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. BBDO would likely implement concepts from that shop in multimedia worldwide as well as develop its own campaigns.
Mercedes is preparing to produce a 'baby' McLaren, with plans to sell as many as 2000 cars a year to rival the likes of the Ferrari 360 Modena, Lamborghini Gallardo and all-new Audi R8. Although McLaren engineers are remaining tight-lipped about the project, we have learnt that feasibility studies are currently being carried out on the car at one of Mercedes' secret test-centres in Germany.
Safety experts at Mercedes-Benz are turning their attentions to one of the principal causes of serious traffic accidents: over-fatigue. The objective of their work is to develop a system that is capable of recognising fatigue in time to warn the driver. Over the course of this development project, the engineers from the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre have already conducted tests with over 200 motorists, both in the driving simulator and on motorways. The revolutionary new system should be ready for series production in just a few years' time.
According to official statistics in Germany, around 0.5 per cent of all serious traffic accidents are caused by "over-fatigue". Last year, the police put a total of 3034 accidents down to fatigue, including 1786 collisions resulting in personal injury. This equates to some 0.5 per cent of all serious accidents. Experts believe that the true figure is much higher, however, as it is often impossible to detect and verify signs of fatigue by the time accidents are reconstructed. Various scientific studies estimate that between 10 and 20 per cent of serious traffic accidents can be attributed to drowsiness. According to an investigation carried out by insurance companies in Germany, fatigue is responsible for one in four fatal motorway accidents. The probability of being killed in an accident resulting from fatigue is 2.5 times higher than for all other causes of accidents.
Long-term McLaren and Mercedes-Benz protégé Lewis Hamilton has been confirmed as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes racing driver and will make his debut at the opening round of the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship in Australia. 21-year-old Lewis will join World Champion Fernando Alonso racing the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 during the 2007 season with both Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett continuing as test drivers.
"It's a dream come true," said Lewis. "To be racing in Formula 1 with McLaren has been the ultimate goal for me since I was very young and this opportunity is a fantastic way to end what has been the best year for me. I have grown up with McLaren and Mercedes and wouldn't be where I am today without their continued support and guidance. However I'm aware that this will be a challenge and I know that there will be a lot of attention on me. However the team has told me just to relax, do the best I can and enjoy the opportunity. I will work hard to get good results."
I am not sure about the you, but I thought that Pedro de la Rosa should have gotten the this position. His performance was outstanding in the last couple of races of the last season. We'll see what Hamilton will bring to the team, but I know de la Rosa will be there to replace him if need be.
The Maybach 62 S just had its official debut in Beijing, but here we have a video where the beauty is driving around Paris.
The Maybach is powered by a Mercedes-AMG-enhanced V12 powerplant developing 45 kW/62 hp more than the engine specified for the Maybach 62. The twelve-cylinder engine in the Maybach 62 S has a displacement of six litres and an output of 450 kW/612 hp by virtue of a twin turbocharger and a water-type intercooler. The impressive maximum torque of 1000 Nm (electronically limited) is available over a wide engine speed range between 2000 and 4000 rpm.
Mercedes has come out and said that it aims to overtake main rival BMW in annual China sales within two years, but needs more time to beat Audi.
"I do believe that Mercedes Benz continues to have the top reputation in China. We have started local production and we are developing our dealer network very fast. On that basis, I'm confident that in the near future, we will pass BMW in sales (in China)."
It's a "realistic expectation" for Mercedes Benz to overtake BMW in China sales in two years, said Zetsche, but, given Audi's long-established production in China and its special status as a government car, it would not happen very soon.
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In the first ten months of this year, Mercedes sales rose 36 percent year-on-year to 18,000 cars. It has started to produce its E-Class sedans at the beginning of this year at DaimlerChrysler's joint venture with Beijing Automotive Industry Corp.
Audi, China's biggest premium automaker, sold 66,000 cars on the mainland in the first 10 months of this year, up 60 per cent year-on-year. It launched local production in China more than two decades ago. BMW's ten month sales surged 53 per cent year-on-year to 29,300 units. It started to assemble its 3 and 5 Series sedans in China in 2003.
Mercedes Benz now has 71 authorized dealers in China, compared with Audi's more than 120 and BMW's 60.
DaimlerChrysler has developed a new flagship model in the Maybach line-up, the newly developed Maybach 62 S, is celebrating its world premiere at the Auto China 2006 international motor show in Beijing. The "S" in the model designation stands for "Special" and draws attention to the fact that the Maybach engineers at the state-of-the-art Manufacture workshops in Sindelfingen have incorporated features requested by their highly discerning customers into the 62 S model. The result is a new dimension in traveling comfort, especially for the passengers in the generously proportioned rear compartment of the new high-end luxury saloon. Not to mention a prodigious power output thanks to the enhanced potency of the twelve-cylinder engine developing 450 kW/612 hp, making the new 62 S model the world's most powerful chauffeur-driven saloon in series production.
The Maybach is powered by a Mercedes-AMG-enhanced V12 powerplant developing 45 kW/62 hp more than the engine specified for the Maybach 62. The twelve-cylinder engine in the Maybach 62 S has a displacement of six litres and an output of 450 kW/612 hp by virtue of a twin turbocharger and a water-type intercooler. The impressive maximum torque of 1000 Nm (electronically limited) is available over a wide engine speed range between 2000 and 4000 rpm.
Road and Track have reviewed the all new E320 BlueTec, the same one driven by the E320Guy, and as usually they are impressed with it. Here is the direct link and a excerpt
Slow? Hardly. This new 3.0-liter V-6 (despite what the E320 designation might have you believe) is intercooled and turbocharged, with the exhaust-stream hamster wheel made more responsive with a variable-vane arrangement similar to what's used on the Porsche 911 Turbo. This steel-sleeved, aluminum-block engine makes 208 bhp and an axle-twisting 388 lb.-ft. of torque-the last stat nearly matching Mercedes' 5.5-liter gasoline V-8-on tap from 1600 to 2400 rpm.
The journey has official ended yesterday, but I will continue bringing you the videos so that we can see what they experienced during the journey.
Stage 3 of the Paris-Beijing 2006 E Class Experience is now complete. The drivers reached Almaty, Kazakhstan on 6 November, 2006. Almaty is a city of tremendous growth. Building cranes everywhere. The average mile per gallon figures are out for the third leg of the trip and the Mercedes diesels are getting some amazing fuel economy. One team got 47.9 MPG for one day of this leg and another average almsot 41 MPG for the entire 3rd leg. The eco-friendliness and power of the new BlueTec diesel has impressed the E320guy.
After 13,600 kilometers, the E-class marathon from Paris to Beijing has been completed. The E-class, which were outfitted with an intelligent light system, Pre-Safe, Direct control, 4matic and a E320 CDI diesel engine, that achieved an impressive 7,19 liter average fuel consumption.
Even though, the the journey was hard and full of obstacles, nobody was hurt, but some (if not all) experienced an adventure of their life.
We'll have more details about the marathon in the coming days when DCX releases it, but for now, here are some pictures of the last meters before the finish line. See more at the Autobild Blog.
DaimlerChrysler AG is reporting today that it is appointed Klaus Maier as president and chief executive of Mercedes-Benz China.
Maier takes his new post January 1st and will succeed Peter Honegg, who has become president and chief executive of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia; DaimlerChrysler gave no reason for the change.
Maier, who has been director of development for DaimlerChrysler's worldwide sales organization, will be responsible for sales, marketing, network development, after-sales and service of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, the company said.
Move over Borat. The E320 Guy is in Kazakhstan and contrary to the movie, we're finding that the people over here are incredibly friendly. The paris-Beijing 2006 E Class Experience is more than halfway to our destination and our trip through the steppes is enlightening. We meet Ed Deppe, a pilot and computer forensics expert from Minnesota on this leg of the journey.
Over at Automobile Magazine, they some interesting details on the upcoming GLK from Mercedes that will directly compete against the X3 and possibly the Q5 from Audi.
Mercedes-Benz will be using the next-generation C-class wagon as the basis for its small crossover, and rejecting a partnership with corporate cousin Jeep.
Chassis-related changes over the C-class 4Matic include a new steering rack, bigger brakes, and a modified independent suspension that permits more wheel travel for extra axle articulation. A handling package (adaptive dampers, quicker steering, fatter anti-roll bars) will be available, and wheel sizes should top out at twenty inches. Curb weight should fall between 3400 and 3700 pounds.
The U.S. market likely will see the following models: the GLK280 V-6 4Matic (228 hp); the GLK350 V-6 4Matic (268 hp); and the GLK320 CDI V-6 4Matic (221 hp). All will be fitted with a seven-speed manu-matic. Of course, no Mercedes-Benz lineup would be complete without an AMG version, so the near-500-hp GLK63 AMG 4Matic should come along shortly thereafter.
On Day #12 of the E-Class Experience, the E320 Guy leaves Europe and heads into Asia. On the drive from Perm to Yekatarinburg, we cross the Ural Mountains and leave the snow behind. The drivers have been impressed with the E320 safety features and also with their time in Russia. From here, it's on to Kazakhstan, then into China.
"Das Goldene Lenkrad" (Golden steering wheel) - Mercedes Benz CL
The new Mercedes CL coupe won the "Golden Steering wheel" for the best Coupe from Germans most read newspaper - Bild. Here is the video from the award show.
Smart ForTwo: Interview Dieter Zetsche
Smart ForTwo: Interview Ulrich Walker (President of Smart)
It's Day #11 and the trek through Russia continues as leave Kazan on our way to Perm. This is the second to last day of driving for the second leg of the Paris-Beijing 2006 E Class Experience and we learn about changing tires and putting on chains, just in time. On our way to Perm we hit the first meaningful snow of the trip. It makes for one of the longest days of the tour.
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating an extraordinary anniversary: The brand has delivered 25 million passenger cars to customers worldwide since 1945. Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes Car Group, responsible for Sales and Marketing: "The positive sales development at Mercedes-Benz during the last 60 years impressively demonstrates the long-term success of our product strategy. No other premium automaker boasts such an attractive portfolio so geared toward customer demands."
The milestone vehicle, a new generation E-Class, was handed over to the owner of a Munich taxi company at the Mercedes-Benz Customer Center in Sindelfingen. "The first postwar Mercedes-Benz passenger car rolled off the line here in Sindelfingen more than 60 years ago," said Dr. Eberhard Haller, Vice President and Manager of the DaimlerChrysler plant in Sindelfingen. "That vehicle marked the beginning of the ascent of Mercedes-Benz to become the world's most valuable and successful automobile brand. Today's handing over of the 25-millionth Mercedes-Benz is a special occasion that will further motivate both the staff in Sindelfingen and the entire Mercedes-Benz organization."
This sure is an unusual test that Auto-moto-und-Sport did, by comparing the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, BMW X5 3.0d and Mercedes R 320 CDI. Instead of comparing the Q7 and X5 with the GL, they chose to do it with the R-class. I am not sure how they view the R-class in Germany and in the rest of Europe, but in the States, the R-class is considered a minivan. While it may be a "minivan" it sure did not perform like one; just watch and you'll see.
The leading U.S. motoring magazine MOTOR TREND has voted the Mercedes-Benz GL 450 the best SUV of the year 2007. The GL came out on top, beating off a field of 22 competitors. This accolade is all the more impressive as this is the first time Mercedes-Benz has been represented in this market segment, dominated largely by its American rivals. The editorial team looked at all the new models launched over the past 12 months.
Motor Trend editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie, sums up the GL-Class: "The first full-size sport/utility from Mercedes has astonishing technology … and it will be available in a version that runs on the new low-sulphur diesel fuel for greater gas mileage."
The "Edition 10" showcar with which Mercedes-Benz marked ten years of the SLK-Class at the Paris Motor Show is available to customers from January 2007. This special model is distinguished by a unique paint finish and choice of interior materials.
The SLK-Class was introduced into the market exactly ten years ago, and immediately became a popular favorite. To mark this anniversary, Mercedes-Benz presented a showcar at the Paris Motor Show in September 2006 which is now about to be produced as an exclusive special series.
The special "Edition 10" model is available as an SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR with 120 kW/163 hp, an SLK 280 with the 170 kW/231 hp six-cylinder engine or as an SLK 350 with 200 kW/272 hp. Prices (ex factory, incl. 19 % MwSt.) are as follows:
- SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR "Edition 10": Euro 37,734.90
- SLK 280 "Edition 10": Euro 42,911.40
- SLK 350 "Edition 10": Euro 47,671.40
Here is the first video of the all new Smart Fortwo that was officially released today, but of course you saw it yesterday here at BenzInsider. There is not very much I have to say about the video and the car, as you probably know everything; the only thing we don't know about the car is the price for the US market, but I am sure we'll know about it as we moves closer to launch.
Here are some official shots from the new Smart Fortwo, which exactly like the ones we saw a couple of days ago. The new Fortwo does look similar to the old one in appearance, but according to Autoblog the fortwo has grown in all dimensions and now sits at 2.69 meters (8.82 feet) long. It will also be powered by a bigger motor that's a full liter in size and available in various power levels. A diesel option will be offered, and SMART is also fitting the new fortwo with a "stop & go" system that cuts the engine at red lights much like a hybrid. Safety will be a big priority as well, with each fortwo stocked with front airbargs, ABS and ESP.
Will the redesigned Smart attract US buyers, nobody really knows for sure, but a car like this in cities like NY or LA would be a welcome relief.
The official introduction of the new redesigned Smart Fortwo is fast approaching and we are all excited about that, even though, we have seen leaked photos of the new Smart, we still want to have it official from MB. For the meantime I give you two very smart (no pun intended) commercials that are pretty hilarious. Take a look
Audi may have had the exclusivity for over 25 years with its all wheel drive, but unfortunately, that exclusivity is virtually gone with the introduction of the 4Matic system for Mercedes. The new S-class 4Matic was put to the test against the more "experienced" Audi A8 quattro.
Go to Autobild to read the whole comparison test, or scroll down for the result.
Not only is the S-class the winner because of the amazingly good all-wheel drive, but it can do nearly everything better than the Audi. It offers more space, accelerates faster, is more comfortable and brakes better. The hour of the A8 strikes with engaged driving fashion. The sporty handling remains unequaled. In addition, Audi's price tag is clearly more favorably than Mercedes.
These are the first shots of the C-Class without disguise. InsideLine is not sure where they came from, but it seems that they are taken in a processing facility in Europe.
Our C-Class sedan will likely get the 3.5-liter V6 used in most of Mercedes mid-level models along with the 7G-Tronic automatic. Expect to see the official unveil of this new sedan at the Geneva auto show early next year.
For some reason this is always the case, images for a new car or new product get always leak on to the web before the actual unveiling. It seems that they were able to keep the redesigned models under covers for a very long time, since the official unveiling will be tomorrow in Stuttgart. There aren't many details about the car, but I am sure we will find out more tomorrow.
It's Day 10 of the Paris-Beijing 2006 tour and we are follwing the Volga River from Nizhny Novgorod to Kazan. We've covered just under 5000 of the 13,600 km between paris and Beijing. Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatrstan and the adventure continues.
You've seen dozens of photos and lots of articles about this beast from Maybach, but here is a video showing the Exelero being driven around the city of Dusseldorf and also test driven on a track to see how its bi-turbo V12 engine that that creates 700 horsepower and does 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds holds up. As you heard its top speed was 351.54 kmh, which puts it close to the other Supercars.
It seems like every model in the Mercedes portfolio has a AMG version, that of course is far from being bad, to the contrary, Mercedes is setting a standard by making every model a sport rocket you can enjoy, but also at the same time keep it comfortable and safe. Now the safe part gets a bit distorted as you are racing down the highway and around sharp corners, but the ability to drive the kids to soccer practice and to floor it on the way back is just phenomenal. That is what the guys over at MotorTrend found out as well when they tested the usually quiet and conservative R-class.
Mercedes has released numbers for October and they are relatively good. The Car Group sales have decreased by 3.5% in October, but this years sales (Jan-Oct) are up by 4.8% to 1,036,700 cars. The Smart car continues to suffer, with sales down by 31.3% in October. The only way Smart can be saved is if it sells well here in the states, if it is unable to break the US market, then I am not sure for how long they'll keep a money loosing car around.
Mercedes-Benz sold 94,200 passenger cars in October worldwide (October 2005: 94,200 units), matching the high level for the same month last year. The number of vehicles delivered to customers in the first ten months of 2006 rose by eight percent to the record-setting total of 940,500 units (same period last year: 868,100 vehicles).
The smart brand delivered 8,300 vehicles to customers worldwide in October 2006. As expected, the focus on the smart fortwo caused sales to decrease from January through October compared to last year, to a total of 96,200 units. Customers have already placed orders for nearly all of the smart fortwo cars that will be produced before next year’s model changeover.
What do you do if you are a multi-millionaire and want to own a CLS, well you let a company tune it. That is exactly what DC Shoes Co-Founder, Ken Block did. He hired AI Design to make his CLS look even more amazing and the power had been increased to 575 HP with the Brabus K8 engine package. Handling has been dramatically enhanced thanks to a Brabus electronic suspension lowering module, combined with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres wrapped around Radenergie R10 20-inch wheels.
The exterior appearance of Block's CLS 55 is a departure from tradition within any segment of the custom car scene - a matte black finish has been applied to all body panels, and in contrast, the chrome trim has been finished in a glossy piano black, giving the sleek saloon an almost menacing appearance. Tail and side marker lamps have all been tinted.
Sunday morning, 29 October and the 36 Mercedes-Benz e320 diesels, the drivers and the support staff are all lined up for a team picture in Red Square. The second stage of the Paris-Beijing adventure is just two days old, but this has to be a highlight. 9 days down, 17 more to go as we head to Beijing.
Maybach is adding a fourth variant to its line-up in the shape of the newly developed 62 S model. The "S" stands for "Special" incorporated a wealth special features specified by their highly discerning customers into the new 62 S model. A remarkable power output thanks to the enhanced force of the twelve-cylinder engine developing 450 kW/612 hp, making the new 62 S model the world's most powerful chauffeur-driven saloon in series production.
The new flagship model in the Maybach range is celebrating its world premiere at the "Auto China 2006" international motor show in Beijing in November - a move which expends its range of high-end luxury saloons. The Maybach 62 S is primarily designed to be chauffeur-driven and meets the very highest of standards in terms of spaciousness, smoothness and comfort
This will surely excite some chauffeurs, but is it really that important to have a performance car if your being driven around; we do have to remember that is not just about power and performance, but also about comfort and luxury, which is exactly what the rich folks are looking for.
The 14th edition of "L'Automobile più Bella del Mondo" competition, that took place at the Arena Civica in Milan, Italy, on 27th October chose the Mercedes CL as the most beautiful Coupe. I am not sure why the news broke just now as the competition was held a week ago, but I guess it is better late than never. I've been a long fan of the new CL and think it is one amazing car with a nice design that will take Mercedes in a whole new direction when it comes to design.
You can see the other categories with the other winners by going to Car Body Design.
The E320Guy has driven through Europe in a records speed, but now the rough Russian roads await him where they will have some difficulties breezing by. Here is what he had to say about Russia.
It was the most stressful day of driving to date as we drove through heavy rains and then waited 5 1/2 hours to cross the border into Russia. The 36 Mercedes-Benz E320 diesels on their way from Paris-Beijing are in St. Petersburg on 27 October, 2006. Tomorrow, new drivers join us for the second leg of the transcontinental adventure.
There were a couple of posts about this in the past showing some early spy shots and illustrations, but LeftLaneNews has gotten some fresh spy shots which they say is an actual prototype. Here is known about the GLK.
The GLK is using mechanical components from the next-generation Mercedes C-Class, which is set to debut in March 2007. In terms of exterior design, it will be very similar to the larger GL-Class. The GLK might debut as a 2008 model at the IAA car show in Frankfurt in September 2007, however Geneva 2008 sounds more reasonable. Yearly production is expected to be 40,000 units with starting prices of about 35,000 Euros.
Power is expected to come from four and six cylinder engines, both gasoline and diesel. A more powerful V8 AMG model could be offered later. Mercedes will offer the crossover in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, with the GLK 220 CDI as the basis rear-wheel drive version and the GLK 280 as a gas alternative. The all-wheel drive versions will be the GLK 350 with 272 bhp and the GLK 320 CDI with 224 bhp. All versions are expected to have the 7G-Tronic, TouchShift automatic transmission.
Here is something that the other sites are not reporting on from SEMA, a sparkling SL600 that will attract the Paris Hilton likes to just crash it a block away. This car is definitely a head turner especially when the sun rays start blinding you. It is a nice idea, but I don't believe those are actually some kind of diamonds or crystals, but maybe a special paint. Visit the tuner, DAD.
I've you've followed the Mercedes' financial numbers in the last couple of month, you could have clearly seen an upward trend in sales and profit. BusinessWeek has taken a closer look at the company and has write and really nice article about them.
Mercedes posted a 127% jump in operating profit, to $1.2 billion. Sales are up 9.3% this year, and analysts expect the turnaround to stick. "The downward spiral," Zetsche says, "has changed direction."
Mercedes' improved fortunes couldn't have come soon enough. The prestigious automaker is finally emerging from the most painful stretch in its 127-year history: a three-year slump in which its once-hallowed reputation for quality and engineering took a beating even as rival BMW surpassed it in global sales. Mercedes' fall in recent years was so precipitous it helped spur the early departure of former CEO Jürgen Schrempp.
The troubles became apparent in 2003 when the world's No. 1 luxury brand landed near the bottom of J.D. Power's annual quality survey. Then, in 2004 and 2005, electronics snafus led to widespread recalls, further denting Mercedes' reputation and finances. And as Mercedes dragged its heels modernizing its manufacturing techniques, competitors made huge strides in improving the way they build cars. As a result, even today, "Mercedes is getting squeezed on all sides by very high-quality cars produced at half the price," says Jay Baron, head of manufacturing at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich.
You've probably seen dozens of these Comparison test where the three top German luxury car makers try to top the list, but here we have the Swedish American under dog trying to join the club.
So, only one question needs to be answered: does the latest S80 have what it takes to steal sales from its German competitors? To find out, we test the newcomer against the 5-Series, A6 and E-Class, all in their most popular guises – powered by mainstream diesel engines and in mid-range trim.
Well you can head over to AutoExpress and see the results, but here is what is most important for us.
A refined powerplant, comfortable cabin and smooth ride mean the Mercedes E220 CDI is the best model here on the road. But two factors caused it to finish second – it's expensive to buy and costly to run. So once again, the BMW 5-Series clings on to victory by the skin of its teeth.
The 36 Mercedes-Benz E320 diesels traveling from Paris to Bejing have made it to the Russian capital. The cars arrived on Saturday evening 28, October, on the first leg of the second stage of the 26 day endurance test. The E320 guy shows you some of the local color from St. Petersburg to Moscow. A new group of drivers will take over for the second stage.
Just like the guy in the video said "Another event like this will probably never happen again." This must have be the biggest Supercar test ever; 9 of the world super machines have been assembled to see who will rule them all. Here they are
Mercedes-Benz SLR
Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
Ferrari 599 GTB
Dodge Viper SRT-10
Aston Martin Vanquish S
Ford GT
Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06
Porsche 997 Turbo
Bugatti Veyron 16.4
In this weeks Videos on Wednesday segment you will find two nice videos showing the Paris-Beijing marathon preparations. In the second video, we can even see Dr. Z himself talk about the race and the car. He seems very excited about the race, too bad he didn't participate; it would definitely have been something unique to have the CEO of one of the greatest Automotive companies taking part in such a tour, but of course he has important things to do, like running the company.
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